FEEDBACK on updated proposals for safe active travel in Musselburgh is now being sought.

The Musselburgh Active Toun (MAT) project is seeking to create new and improved spaces for walking, wheeling and cycling, “making it easier and safer to travel actively for key journeys”.

By reducing noise and emissions, people can be supported to choose “healthier, more affordable journeys and contribute to an improved local environment”, East Lothian Council has said, as it works to increase opportunities to get around the local area using active travel.

The more detailed plans being consulted upon have been worked up by consultant AECOM.

The scheme is being funded by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans through the Places for Everyone programme.

In response to feedback from the local community, more detailed plans for MAT Routes 4, 6 and Edinburgh Road have been developed.

Route 4, which forms the western extent of East Lothian’s Cross County Active Freeway, would provide a largely off-road route for walking, wheeling and cycling between Newcraighall and Wallyford Toll via Queen Margaret University.

Since the council’s previous consultation, at which the general alignment of Route 4 was considered, it has developed concept designs for some sections of the route.

Key features of these include: Salters Road – two options for segregated cycle tracks, uni-directional tracks on both sides of the road and a bi-directional track on the north side; The Loan and the existing path between Wallyford Station and Pinkie – new and widened shared paths; B6415/ Monktonhall Place mini roundabout – new signalised junction with pedestrian/cycle crossings.

The alignment of the central section of the route in the Carberry and Inveresk area remains subject to confirmation, while the section of path between QMU and Newcraighall will be provided by developers as part of a proposed housing site.

Route 6 follows Newhailes Road between the City of Edinburgh boundary to the A199. At the council’s previous consultation, two high-level options were presented for segregated cycle tracks, uni-directional tracks on both sides of the road and a bi-directional track on the west side.

Further discussion has identified a preferred scheme for a bi-directional segregated cycle track on the west side of Newhailes Road. In addition to the segregated cycle track, key features of the concept design include: Olive Bank Road/Newhailes Road roundabout – new signalised crossings on main road approaches; and improved planting and greenspaces.

The western section of Route 2 follows A199 Edinburgh Road between the City of Edinburgh boundary and A199/Newhailes Road junction.

At previous consultations, the council has presented two high-level options for segregated cycle tracks, uni-directional tracks on both sides of the road and a bi-directional track on the north side; and subsequently an off-road shared-use path following the coastline. Having considered all feedback, it now presents a preferred scheme for a bi-directional segregated cycle track on the south side of A199 Edinburgh Road. In addition to the segregated cycle track, key features of the concept design include: Edinburgh Road/New Street – new signalised junction; Newhailes Avenue – proposed one-way exit only, no entry from Edinburgh Road; and improved side road crossings for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

People can view the designs and provide feedback until November 18.

Comments can be left on the website at eastlothian.gov.uk/musselburgh-active-toun

Drop-in sessions will be held at: Fisherrow Centre (Annex Lounge), Wednesday, October 30, 5-7pm; and Wallyford Learning Campus (Community Room 1), Thursday, November 7, 6-8pm.

Members of the design team will be in attendance and available to discuss any questions.

Comments can also be emailed to musselburgh.uki@aecom.com

Alternatively, people can write to Musselburgh Active Toun, Transport Planning, East Lothian Council, Penston House, Macmerry Industrial Estate, Macmerry, EH33 1EX.

More information about active travel projects is available on the council website at eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210683/active_travel_infrastructure